The eclectic taste of music among youth in Kolkata: A sociological study

The present study, “The Eclectic Taste of Music among Youth in Kolkata: A Sociological Study” explores the relative interest in various types of music among youth in Kolkata and how globalization, social media exposure shape musical preferences of young adults creating a unique fusion of local and global sound. As labelled “Cultural Capital of India” Kolkata remains a cultural hub with rich musical legacy. Youth in this region display a diverse range of musical tastes, encompassing genres such as classical Indian music, old and contemporary Bengali songs, Bollywood hits, Western pop, Korean pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic dance music etc. Through sociological lens, this research aims to understand how globalization, social media exposure, peer influence, and digital platforms have influenced the musical choices of young people in Kolkata which help to develop a taste for an eclectic mix of genres. Data collected from interviews with college students and young adults highlight the advent of the social media platforms through which music from all over the world is accessible instantly. The younger generation in Kolkata is exposed to diverse genres, from K-pop and hiphop to electronic dance music and Latin pop, which may not have been as accessible or popular among the older generations. This exposure has allowed most of them to develop an eclectic but not long-lasting taste of music. The findings reflect how youth in urban India negotiate tradition and modernity in their consumption of music, ultimately reflecting broader shifts in cultural values and social structures.